ARE YOU PECULIAR?

PECULIAR PEOPLE WHERE YOU AT? If you are wondering what that is, take a look at this






so let me ask again? ARE YOU PECULIAR?



Peculiar Me Lyrics

Everybody looks at me - Like what's it gonna be?
I've got my hot style,-I flip it round and they can't handle me
Coz I keep my smile and pass it round, the joy that sets me free
Can't help, can't help but be peculiar me

It's a possibility (how can I do this?)
To break the chains that hold you down(I just keep going back)
Confined by the ways of this world (what are they gonna think)
Afraid to be just who you are(I wanna be like her)
But you were created(look at me!)
Not duplicated(what do you mean?)
An original masterpiece(is that me?)
By the creator God who is (so let's tell em)

It's a possibility (yeah you can do this)
To stand above the crowd (you know better)
When everybody's spreading hate(what if that was you?)
Battered, bruised and scarred(can I make a suggestion)
Why don't you share some love(unity and peace)
Give a little kindness(that's what we need)
Be the one,(go that extra mile) to make some changes


Lovely song, lovely words! IF YOU'RE PECULIAR, EMBRACE IT!

Yolanda-Lin

Make a Fashion Statement, Rock a Hat!

If you tuned into the Royal Wedding for even five minutes, you may have seen some classic and even, ridiculous hats worn by female guests of the wedding held in London.

Hats have also been a huge tradition among many black churches, too. I still remember my grandmothers rockin' the hats when they went to service on Sundays. I've always loved hats and on occasion, you can catch me in a Kangol. I don't wear hats as much as I did in the past, but seeing the royal guests and women dressed for Easter this year has given me a new fashion inspiration. Bring on the hats!

Here's a few celebs who show original style with hats:

Unique & Outrageous: Lady Gaga

Fedoras: Ne-yo, Usher, Alicia Keys, Michael Jackson (he may be gone, but his style lives on)

Baseball//Sports caps: Weezy (Lil' Wayne), Jay-Z, Fabolous

Kangol: LL Cool J, Sam Jackson

As you can see from the list, there are not many ladies on the list. Where my ladies at? Let's represent a different style with hats!

Check out my pic below with a hat. I hope today's post will encourage you to take some fashion risks.

Have a great weekend,

Jen:)

You Can Be a Princess, too & I Was Born This Way

Tomorrow is the wedding of Prince William and future princess, Kate Middleton. It will be a very extravagant affair that will be broadcast by news stations across the globe. From the time we were little girls, we've read about being a princess. You may not have millions to spend on a royal wedding, but there are ways that you can be a princess, too. Grab your girls and have one of your own "Princess" parties:

Pink Princess Party
You and your friends can get together and have a pink-themed party with a few close friends. Buy different nail polishes, cotton balls, nail files and clippers, if you don't have them already. For an extra touch, pick up some feather boas and crowns from Party City, Target, Duane Reade or other discount stores. For crafty girls, use cardboard, colored paper and glitter to make your own princess crown. Make some pink cupcakes or buy store bought ones.

Celeb Princess Tea Party
Tea is very big in England and has gained a lot of popularity in the U.S. in recent years. You can select your own tea, which buy from your local grocery store for as little as $1 per box. There are many different types of teas like black, green, white, herbal and one of my faves, rooibus. You and your girls can sample different ones or choose one for your party. Make some little sandwiches and add treats like cookies. You can make it fun and less stuffy by dressing up as your favorite celebs like Lady Gaga, Rihanna or Kim Kardashian.

Be creative and enjoy your time as a princess!

Jen

P.S. Be sure to check out today's post about Lady Gaga's song, I Was Born This Way posted by DD blogger, Vonnah. It celebrates girls loving who they are:)

"I Was Born This Way"

            Any Gleeks? I am a major Gleek.  For those not familiar, Gleeks are big fans of Glee.  Did you check out this week’s episode of Glee? If not, the theme was “I Was Born This Way” and I’m sure you all know it’s a popular song by Lady Gaga, but more importantly, it’s telling you to be yourself. Everyone was born differently and we all need to embrace that. More and more every day everyone wants to live like celebrities, but my question is why? What is so fascinating about them? Is it the way they dress, their hair, their make-up, their money? That’s all material. It’s what is on the inside that matters. I know, so cliché, but it wouldn’t be if it wasn’t true.  Blending in is so Y2K, lol. If you believe changing up who you are, is going to make people accept you more, you’re wrong.  No one wants to surround themselves around a “fake.” So be true to you. Being YOURSELF is what separates you from the rest and makes you different. Don’t waste away your life trying to be someone else.  Believe me, you stand out as long as you are true to yourself because, hey, we are all different and unique as long as we stay real.  Who wants to become a carbon copy? Booooring.

Lavonnah.

Wednesday Skincare Blogs: Jewelry Tips for Fashionistas & Healthy Food for Skin

Hi there,

We have some great blogs that will help the fashionista in you and keep your skin healthy. The first blogs discusses the best jewelry to wear in preventing skin irritations from metals. If you're like me, you can't pass up some cute earrings or bracelets. Well, sometimes, you may need to because they may contain nickel, which could be irritating your skin. Like our blogger, Yolanda, I've seen my ears turn red or start to itch, so check out her list of metals, which do not contain that itchy metal, nickel.

There are other ways to take care of your skin, too. We hear this phrase all this time, "You are what you eat." We all know that water, fruits and vegetables help us to keep our skin healthy, but it's important for us to make it a habit so we can show off our beautiful, glowing skin. Summer is right around the corner, so let's get started now! Read the blog post on healthy food for skin.

Peace,

Jen

Does Your Jewelry Make You Itch?

Believe it or not: It's possible to be allergic to some jewelry. I'm definitely allergic to most!
The itch comes from an allergic reaction to some metals such as nickel. One out of every seven people is likely to suffer from a nickel allergy. The nickel found in many types of jewelry is; therefore, the cause of most forms of dermatitis (skin inflammation). More women than men tend to suffer from nickel allergies, perhaps because, women tend to wear more jewelry than men.

If your jewelry is making you itch perhaps you are allergic to the "Nickel" or some other metal. This means, you'll have to search for jewelry that doesn't contain metals you will react to.

Which jewelry metals do not contain Nickel?

1) Gold
Rarely will jewelry made from 14K yellow gold cause an allergic reaction. However, white gold may irritate those with sensitive skin because white gold contains nickel and other "white" metals to produce its silver coloring.

2) Gold-filled or jewelry deemed "GF."
Gold-filled jewelry is made by heat-bonding a layer of gold around a base metal. Gold-filled jewelry has a layer of gold that is 75 to 200 times thicker than most gold-plated jewelry.

3) Fine Silver or Sterling Silver
Fine Silver is 100% pure silver. Sterling Silver is 92.5% Silver and 7.5% Copper. Sterling Silver is a perfect alternative for people with nickel allergies.

4) Copper
Almost all copper jewelry is made from 100% copper and is not mixed with any other metal.

5) Platinum
Platinum contains 95% Platinum and 5% Iridium. Platinum is a great alternative for those with skin allergies.

6) Stainless Steel
As much as 8 to 12% nickel is used to make stainless steel jewelry. Caution should be taken when considering stainless steel jewelry if you have skin allergies.

7) Titanium
Titanium is both hypo-allergenic (having a low tendency to cause an allergic reaction) and durable. It's one of the best metals for those who suffer from nickel allergies.

8) Plastic
Beads and fishnet thread. No metal in it at all thus no allergic reaction.

Do a little research on the jewelry you wear and ask the right questions when you purchase it. You'll be able to wear fashionable jewelry without risking an allergic reaction.


Yolanda-Lin

7 Tips: EAT YOUR WAY TO HEALTHIER SKIN

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/19816.htm


Trust me: What you put in your body can be seen from the outside! So take care of your body by eating HEALTHY. It's not only good for your overall health, but its great for your skin. People who want to have flawless skin (well almost flawless) need to start paying attention to the types of foods they put into their bodies.

Here's a list of some foods that are wonderful for your skin and body:

1) Water
Flushes out toxins from your body.

2) Green Tea
Many different health benefits.

3) Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes
Rich in antioxidants.

4) Broccoli, Spinach, Carrots
All contain Vitamin A, a vitamin that is wonderful at improving the turnover of cells in the skin. This means your skin gets renewed faster and the freshest skin is on top.

5) Grape fruit, oranges, peas, brussel sprouts
These are really rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C delays or reduces wrinkles.

6) Whole wheat
Selenium is really good for your skin, and is contained in whole wheat cereals, breads and baked goods. This improves the skin at a cellular level and keeps you looking beautiful.

7) Iron
Foods rich in iron help your skin become healthier.


Try adding a few of the above to your diet for a healthier body and healthy skin.

P.S. If you are trying to get rid of acne, foods that are rich in zinc or vitamin A are ideal choices.


Yolanda-Lin M

Paid Summer Jobs in NYC!

If you want have some cash and to gain career experience, apply to the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). It gives youth ages 14-24 real-world experience in companies that include government agencies, hospitals, summer camps, non-profits, small businesses, law firms, museums, sports enterprises and retail companies. The SYEP is a great way to learn about different industries and can add value to a college or technical school application, by demonstrating that you've had some work experience. Act fast, the application is due in a few weeks!

Click on the underlined links, to find out more info about the SYEP program and fill out a paper or online application.


Program Dates: July 5-August 20, 2011

Application Deadline: May 27, 2011

Beyonce's New Song, Yoga, Nail Fashion & Beauty Basket

Happy Monday!

If you haven't heard, your girl, Bey has a new song, Run the World (Girls) to empower girls. Beyonce's song is a great way to start the week on a high note and keep you hyped all week long. I'm sure the video is coming soon, so get ready to learn some new dance moves.

Our bloggers are busy bringing you the best of what's new and hot. Ariam included a great post about a fab yoga experience and Yolanda gives you nail fashion tips and shares what's in her beauty basket. 


Have a great week,
Jen:)

What's in your beauty basket?

Every girl has a small stash somewhere of beauty prods. I wonder what's in your beauty basket? It's nice to go through the baskets of friends and family, it not only tells you about their "beauty values" but you get to learn about "new prods" - "stuff you need" - "stuff you don't need" - "stuff that works" and "stuff that doesn't work" or at least you may realise, your basket needs a make-over!

After digging in my Beauty basket this is what I found-

1) Mary Kay Eye Makeup remover (love it)
2) Mary Kay mineral powder foundation (love it)
3) Vivi(venus) oil-free cream foundation (Doesn't work for me)
4) Nail kit (love it)
5) Ped Egg Professional ( Works like a charm)
6) Essence nail polish ( quick drying but not long lasting)
7) Maybelline Water shine lipstick (love it but only just use a dab)
8) Bourjois Paris Liner Stylo eye liner (works great not as dark as liquid EL)
9) Essence Volume Mascara (I really didnt see the volume change)
10) Bourjois Paris Mascara (Wow it has a comb-brush effect-luvit)
11) Essence lip gloss (always leaking-unstable lid)
12) Essence multi-effect mascara (works great- messy during afterwash)
13) Miss Helen lipstick (Not shiny, always needs a dab of gloss)
14) Essence eyebrow designer (Love it)

Well this is quite embarassing - I definitely need a basket makeover. Perhaps actually decide on the BRAND I want to use (MARY KAY may win this one). You're probably wondering where the cleansers, moisturizers,exfoliants,toners, hand creams,masks,concealers,etc etc are? Well like I said I may need a basket makeover however finding the perfect "skin routine" is always a tough journey and i'm still hunting.(At the moment keeping it au naturelle). Perhaps after digging through afew baskets from friends and family I may find something.

Take a look at your own baskets and see what you need, what you don't need and definitely take a quick raid of what other's have?

P.S NEVER SPEND TOO MUCH ON PRODUCTS THAT DON'T ADD VALUE TO YOUR GENERAL APPEARANCE.
KEEP IT SIMPLE YET BEAUTIFUL.

Yolanda-Lin

NAIL TALK

Just like "Fashion" shows your personality- so do your "Nails" - you can get creative with colours, tints, layers, patterns: JUST TO EXPRESS, the person you are!
It's fabulous being unique - and it's more than fabulous- BEING YOU!!
However its also important to look after them by keeping them clean.Cleaning your fingernails isn't just about looking good but it can affect your health.

So let's talk about nail care! A big plus, to completing a beautiful you!


1) KEEP NAILS CLEAN
Fingernails can carry bacteria and germs beneath them.When washing your hands, be sure to use soap and massage lightly into the areas around your nails and cuticles. Always rinse well.

OR

Once a day, soak your nails in soapy water for about 3-5minutes. Then lightly scrub the surface and undersides of your nails with a soft-bristled nail brush.

Remember to use warm water and soap, to loosen grime and grease!


2) PROTECT YOUR NAILS
Wear gloves when you garden or when doing dirty work around the house.


3) Moisturize
Rub moisturizer onto your hands, rubbing a little around your nails and into your cuticles.

4) DON'TS
*Never dig beneath your nails with a sharp or pointed instrument to remove dirt.
*Don't bite your nails. Biting nails weakens them and makes them look less attractive.

P.S: Don't forget about your toe nails, they also need love:
Keep them trimmed and always wear socks with sneakers.

When your nails are clean: Finish off the look with a neat coat of your chosen polish. Add a little personality to their "shine"


Yolanda-Lin

Yoga To The People: Quiet Intensity

This morning I was looking forward to an afternoon of intense sweating and relaxation. Unfortunately, I missed the 2 o'clock session of Yoga To The People and had to come back another day. If you haven't heard of it yet, you are missing out on an intense workout!

As the website points out, this is not "gentle yoga"...it is yoga with awareness. The classes are donation based and offered 7 days a week (schedule posted online). I recommend it to anyone who is looking to meditate, while pushing them-self to the limit. In the end it's worth gaining strength, balance and practice.

Each class begins with an easy stretch, as the momentum picks up. The instructor wants learners to bend, crawl and reach as far as they can. While some may be more flexible, do not get discourage for this is a class that encourages "expand your heart and free your mind." Nothing is out of reach.

A nearing close session is accompanied by an acoustic sound, sometimes drums or a whistle. This is the meditation stage. Donations are not mandatory, yet this is what helps yoga to the people continue to succeed and open in different locations. Now there are 5 locations in New York City.

Everyone should experience yoga to the people.

Feature in the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/fashion/25yoga.html

Ways to Become a Celeb, Represent YOU with Fashion

There have been many incidents about "bad girls" who've done things to other girls and had the incidents profiled on local and national news stations. The scenarios below are based on real incidents and is a reminder that the internet is not just local, but international.

1. Go to a national McDonald's job fair event in Cleveland, OH and start a fight with a girl over a guy, who's not thinking about you anyway.
2. Text pics to your boyfriend he promises to keep private. You broke up and now they're on Facebook.
3. Videotape you and your friends fighting a former friend, so you can laugh at it later. The police contact you because they have evidence you committed a crime.
4.  Sneak into Hollywood celebrities' homes and post pics on your twitter page. The police used your updates to find out where you were and the items you stole.
5. Send threatening email messages to another student several times a day. You've been suspended from school and you may be moved to another school.

Please keep the examples above in mind when sending info about yourself or showcasing bad behavior with friends. You can become a "celeb" in a negative way, faster than you think.

Now on to fashion. . . 
Vonnah, a DD blogger posted a great post about how you can demonstrate your own style with fashion. Check out Vonnah's fashion post.

What's your style?

•   Fashion

Are you the girly-girl, the tomboy or just the get-up and go type? I think a lot of us, as females, have a little bit of the three in us. I mean who wants to get all dressed up to go to the library? How about going to a sporting event? A t-shirt and some jeans, sounds good to me! Oh and that dance party tonight, of course we have to look FABULOUS!

Just be YOU, in whatever you wear. The only person you have to impress is yourself. As long as you’re happy, forget what anyone else may have to say!

·          

• Make-up

Do you wear make-up? A little eye shadow and lip gloss? Or do you prefer to go au naturale (no make-up at all)? Whatever you prefer, always remember less is more! What a lot of people seem to forget is that make-up is just supposed to enhance your already natural beauty, not camouflage it.  You should never, when wearing make-up, look like anyone else but yourself. Think your eyes are your best feature and want to enhance them? Try a neutral colored eye shadow and some mascara. Want to emphasize your lips, a nice lip gloss is a great way to go.  Want to play around a little with some color? Use tinted lip gloss in a light shade like pink or orange. Or a colored eye shadow for your eyes, but remember to keep your skin tone in mind, some shades will be more flattering than others. Always remember to keep it light and don’t overdo it. We are all beautiful, a lot of make-up isn’t needed. Remember to be sure to clean your face daily, when you wake up and before you go to bed. Never sleep in your make-up, no matter how lightly it was applied.  Skin health is important girls!

• Jewelry

Less is always more. Hmmm, I think I’m starting to sense a trend here, lol. Earrings and a necklace can always be the perfect addition to complete an outfit.  You don’t necessarily want to put the earrings, necklace, bracelet and ring together, it may outshine the outfit and not in a good way. If the outfit you’re wearing has a lot of decorations you will want to keep your jewelry choices very simple and very understated. Wearing a sequined tank? Go for some hoop earrings and maybe a few bangle bracelets. The simpler the outfit, the more you get to play around with combinations of jewelry. If you’re wearing some jeans and a tee or tank, go have fun and let your jewelry shine. Also be sure to never mix metals, like silver and gold, unless the style is similar. 

When determining the right looks for you, always keep in mind your age, body type and ultimately, you. Wear what makes you feel good and happy about yourself. If you don’t want to follow trends, don’t. Just be yourself, at all times. Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to be you, you’re amazing?

Lavonnah

Recycle for Earth Day

There's still time to do some spring cleaning and get rid of your old TVs, VCRs and computers. In honor of Earth Day, do yourself (and the earth) a favor and recycle the electronic junk that's invading your space. There are two more events left for April. Here are the drop-off following locations:


Brooklyn
April 30, 2011 | 10:00am - 4:00pm
PS 29 Schoolyard, Baltic St between Henry St and Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201


Queens
April 30, 2011 | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sunnyside Community Services, 39th Street between Queens Blvd and 43rd
Ave, Queens, NY 11104


For more information, check out this website for more info on e-waste recycling.


Here's a few other ways to do your part to help out Planet Earth:
*Donate old clothing and other items to a local Goodwill or Salvation Army.
*Organize a clothing swap with friends or at your school. Exchange clothes and get a whole new outfit.
*Recycle cans, glass and plastic on recycle days for your area.


Jen:)

New Music from Jill Scott and Beauty Tips

Hey,

The Double Dutch Blog has been going strong for over a month now. As promised, we've welcomed some members to our blog crew.

See what our blogger, Ariam, has to say about Jilly from Philly and her hot, new song release. Get insider skin tips uses for aloe vera and jojoba oil from our Zimbabwe-born (Zim) blogger, Yolanda, with ways to keep your skin glowing and beautiful.

Enjoy!

Jen

Jilly from Philly in 'Shame'

Her voice is like linen in the spring.

In “Shame” off of her latest album, Light of The Sun, Jill Scott represents her hometown of Philadelphia, directed by Devin Hampton. The video was shot in the Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center, where Scott had attended summer camp and was inspired to begin writing music and poetry.

The track features fellow Philly natives including Eve, Peedi Crack, and Black Thought of the Roots.

Scott and her foundation, Blues Babe Foundation, which is dedicated to assisting college-bound students of color artistically and academically, helped pay for repairs to the Recreation Center because it was expected to close. She paid for a new roof, gym floor and basketball court.

“When I found out it was closing, it just hurt my feelings because kids like me needed a place to go,” Scott told CNN. “We just started to really take care of this facility because we don’t want it to shut down.”

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=361P_nyxoPw&feature=player_embedded

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera helps healing of wounds and damaged skin and is used primarily to improve the appearance of the skin.

1) Aloe vera WILL help your skin heal from the damage caused by acne.

2)It WILL lesson redness and swelling. And it WILL improve the overall health of your skin however it WON’T cure acne.

It works by moisturizing the skin, but unlike most of the basic moisturizing creams out there, it also heals the skin and will often heal the scars and redness associated with acne.

So in effect it acts as both a moisturizer and an anti-inflammatory agent.

Yolanda-Lin M

JOJOBA OIL

Jojoba-oil is a non-pore-clogging oil that can be used to treat acne effectively and blemishes on the skin. It can also be used to cleanse, treat and moisturize the skin, making it a highly useful and beneficial oil to add to any skincare regime. It is similar to human skin oil (sebum).

Apparently, applying jojoba to the skin can “trick” the skin into thinking it is producing enough oil, thus balancing oil production.

It’s not only a potent solution for fighting wrinkles and extra dry and oily skin but also potent for rejuvenating the skin.

Benefits of jojoba oil

1)Provides all day moisturization – jojoba oil doesn’t evaporate like water based moisturizers can. (absorbs instantly)

2)Reduces oil

3)Gives very soft skin

4)Spreads well and absorbs well

Yolanda-Lin

Invest in You!

Today is the deadline to file for taxes. This deadline is very important for adults, but it's important for teens to know, too. You may or may not be working yet, but this can be a great time to ask your parents or adults questions about bills or money. It's important to establish great money habits early, so when you're on your own, you'll know how to manage your money.

Here are some ways to start good money habits and invest in you now:

• Use money gifts wisely. If you receive money gifts, save some in a bank account and treat yourself to something small.
• Talk to people, who manage their money well and ask how they did it. If you don't have people like that around you, there may be programs through your school and banks.
• Work a part-time job. Use your skills for babysitting, braiding hair or a fast-food gig. This will help you learn about taxes and how to negotiate hours and raises with your manager. I worked for two years in high school. I saved some money and used part of the money to pay for going out with my friends, clothes, SAT and ACT test fees, Prom expenses and my high school ring. I didn't need to go to my parents for everything.
• Help parents or adults when they pay bills. This will help you learn how much items costs and how adults make decisions on what they purchase is a want or a need. For example, you may want a Wii, but your parents need to get the car fixed, so they can drive you to school or drive to their job.
• Learn to cook. This is directed to girls and boys. Ask your Nana, Big Mama or Grandma about this and she will agree. You may ask, "What does that have to do with money?" When you know how to cook, it will decrease the amount you need to shop for fast food or other prepared food. If you spend about $10 a day in fast food, that is $70 you can use to buy groceries for breakfast, lunch and dinner for a week.
• Stop and think before you buy. This is a great money lesson for kids and adults. There are some shoes you gotta have right now, but "stop" and take a few days to think about it. At that point, you may not want it anymore or you will have enough patience to save for them.

It's unrealistic to think a teen or adult would save all of their money. The point I want to convey is to spend your money in a way that is an investment in you. You may receive money from work or family and it's ok to use the money for fun things. Think about how you can also spend money to pay for college applications, trips to visit schools or for supplies and books for when starting a college or trade school. Money can also be used to publish your first book of poetry or to buy a new computer for a graphic design business. In other words, use money to invest in your future. 

Have a great day,

Jen

Prince will Reign on the West Coast

Musician and singer, Prince recently announced performances in Los Angeles at the Forum. The first performance was last night and if it was anything like what I saw in New York, the "Westside" version will be crazy-hot!

Prince is not only a songwriter, but he's a musician who plays many instruments and he is a phenomenal performer. He's not jumping off concert speakers and into splits like he did in the past. He has dancers to add to the already high-energy level of the show. After seeing Prince evolve over the years as a musician,  I still felt the passion he has for music when I saw him in February of this year. It was the second time I saw Prince. I also had a chance to see him perform when I was nine. Ok, don't judge. My parents wanted to go, so they took me, too. Anyway, even if you weren't alive when Prince was first making music, this is a must-see concert.  When I saw him a few months ago, there were people of every age and ethnicity dancing and singing all the words to the songs. So, even if you don't know the words, you can easily download music from itunes. You will not be disappointed and this is a rare opportunity to see a musical genius at work.

Read more about Prince in this Los Angeles Times article

Learn More about the Ad Biz with AdCamp!

I've had so much fun over the years in the advertising and marketing industries and you can learn more about it, too. The American Advertising Federation (AAF) is partnering with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is presenting, "AdCamp" in downtown Chicago.

High school students from grades 10-12 will be exposed to different facets of the industry from areas that include media, advertising agencies and clients, which are companies who pay to promote products or services. This program will expose high school students to the marketing of their favorite brands, utilizing social media for advertising companies, discussing ad campaigns like the Super Bowl and shadowing corporate executives to see what they do in their workday. This is a great opportunity, but you must act fast, since the deadline to apply is tomorrow!

Need-based Minority Scholarships are available.

Application Deadline: Tomorrow! April 15th

AdCamp Dates: June 20-July 1, 2011

Location: Illini Center, downtown Chicago

Click on the link below, for more info on the AdCamp Program:
AdCamp in Chicago

Keep your skin Beautiful

Over the years the amount of products that have been manufactured just for our SKIN has increased alot. Why's that? Because our SKIN (the largest organ of the body) - is VERY PRECIOUS and must be cared for!

Here are some tips, for keeping your skin BEAUTIFUL!


1) Drink water.
Water helps to detoxify our skin (and body) getting rid of substances that can cause harm to our skin (e.g acne).

2) Balanced Diet.
Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. These contain vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin E, which are essential for good skin care.

3) Exercise.
Believe it or not. This not only helps to get you in shape and your heart stronger, but also it keeps your skin with a healthy supply of nutrients.

4) Sleep.
You need at least eight hours of sleep each night. Sleep is good for the skin.

5) Good make-up use.
If you wear makeup, make sure it is hypoallergenic or use products made for sensitive skin. Before going to bed, make sure you wash all the makeup away- keeping it on may lead to acne or clogged pores!

Lastly:

6) Keep face clean.
Wash your face at least twice each day.

Yolanda-Lin M

FREE College Fair in Queens This Saturday!

The Queens Public Library (QPL) will host more than 20 colleges, universities and trade schools at its 4th Annual College Fair this Saturday, April 16th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The college fair will take place at the QPL's Langston Hughes branch, 100-01 Northern Blvd in Corona, Queens.

College fairs are great places to get answers to questions directly from recruiters. The college fair will also include workshops on financial aid and other topics, as well as, raffle prizes and giveaways! It's a way of visiting a college without leaving your city. Some of the participating schools include Columbia University,  Hampton University, Hunter College, La Guardia Community College (CUNY), United States Naval Academy and The Art Institutes (just to name a few). Please review the flyer below to see if there's a school on the list with programs that will help your future career:

This is a FREE event and you registration is not required to attend. For more information, please call 718.990.0871.

Directions: 

Train: 7  to 103rd St./Corona Plaza

Bus:  Q23, Q66, Q72

Have a great day!

Jen

Let's Move, Get in Shape for the Summer!

Hey,

Spring is here and it's a great time to get in shape for the summer. I know your question is, "How do I get motivated? I think one of the the best ways to workout is to find something that you love, so you it doesn't feel like work.

Treadmills may not be fun for you, so find something else that you like to do. I practiced taekwondo for over five years and later earned my black belt, because it was fun and I like a challenging workout. Recently, I've been doing spinning classes, which is a class where you do different speeds and bike positions on a stationary bike.  Check out your local YMCA or gym for classes like Zumba, belly dancing, hip-hop dance and African dance.

There are small steps that you can take, too, and you don't even realize that you're trimming your waistline. Instead of taking the train one or two stops, walk to the next one and take the stairs up a few flights and skip the elevator. If you love practicing dance routines from music videos, try the YouTube video below for a great workout and invite your friends, too. It's from our First Lady, Michelle Obama's  "Let's Move" campaign to help fight childhood obesity.

Let's Move video with Beyonce song


Have fun!

Jen

Stand Up for Domestic Violence

If some of you are in New York City, you probably heard about the death of Sarah Coit, age 23. She died yesterday at the hands of her boyfriend, Raul Barrera, 33, who stabbed her to death during a domestic violence dispute.

We hear about these stories everyday. It was something that really bothered me during the reporting of this story. The couple lived at the residence for at least two years. News reporters talked to many neighbors, who heard the couple arguing on a regular basis, including the day Sarah Coit died. As I heard this story, it made me wonder, had any neighbors ever bothered to call the police for previous disputes? Many victims will not report the crimes and will often drop the charges due to fear or threats from their abusers. Does this mean that neighbors should do nothing? I'm aware because victims are usually adults, the police or even family members cannot force them to take action, but as neighbors we cannot sit by and say, "I will not get involved."

This applies to adults and teens. It may mean having our best friend get mad at us for telling parents or teachers that a friend is in an abusive relationship. Even if a friend or neighbor may not tell us they are in an abusive relationship, there are signs for abuse. Click here to see an article about signs in the Double Dutch magazine. It is important for all of us to "stand up" by speaking up for victims, who may not have the confidence at that time to do so for themselves. The death of this young women is also a cautionary-tale that abuse does not ever stop over time, it gets worse and often escalates into this type of tragedy.

Jen

Check out this Teen with Her Own Fashion Biz

Tanesa Patterson is the fashion designer and style consultant for Nesa Fab, a company she started when she  was only 12 years old! Now at 16, she is very much a seasoned designer and also makes time to mentor other teens in the fashion industry. The Nesa Fab line started with t-shirts and has grown to include collections for teens, tweens and young adults. The prices also fit the budget of teens and parents, who want have fashion-forward options without breaking the bank. Tanesa's unique designs include shirts and dresses inspired by newspaper and hot shoes for $20. This Texas fashionista exhibits great style, because she needs not afraid to push the boundaries of fashion and most importantly, she's doing fashion on her own terms, with her own company.

Click here to see why you'll be hearing more about Tanesa Patterson in the fashion industry.

Have a great weekend,

Jen

Go to Hollywood Without Leaving New York

Sometimes Hollywood can churn out the same old movies. Another romatic comedy. Yawn. Another film about nerds winning the girl. More yawning. Film festivals, like Tribeca, present exciting and unique films and it's a subway ride away. You may or may not be familiar with the Tribeca Film Festival. If you aren't you are missing a great time.

After the 911 tragedy, people were not visiting lower Manhattan, due to their fear of potential terrorists threats in the area. The actor, Robert DeNiro, a resident of the Tribeca wanted to help bring New Yorkers and visitors of the city back to the area. DeNiro partnered with Jane Rosenthal ad Caig Hatkoff to form the Tribeca Film Festival. It has helped to boost the economy of the area and helped established New York City as a "major filmmaking center."

This festival is not just for the old folks. It's in lower Manhattan, so it's hip, trendy and fun.

Check out my film picks for teens:

• Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest: One of the best rap groups in hip-hop are featured in this film. If you love hip-hop, you gotta see this film.
• The Bully Project: This film covers the topic of bullying and what each of us can do to prevent it.
• Tribeca Drive In: You won't need a car for this drive-in movie. Just go down to World Financial Center Plaza and you'll see the 1980's movie, "Fame." Plus, you and your friends will have fun laughing at all the big hair and crazy clothes in the movie.

Here are also a few tips to make your film fest experience a good one:

• Get tickets online: There's nothing worse than getting all pumped for a movie and you can't see it, because it's sold out.
• Arrive early: There's usually a line to get in, even if you have tickets, and you want to get a good seat.
• Eat before you go: There's nothing worse than sitting for a long time with your stomach growling.
• Switch it up: If you're into action films, try a drama. This festival includes many documentaries and international films you normally may not be able to see.
• Go to movies where the director or actors talk: This gives you a chance to ask questions about the movie making process or film scenes.

In addition to the festival, there's also an upcoming free Family Festival Street Fair on Saturday, April 30th. Tickets for the festival go on sale to the general public on Monday, April 18, 2011. (Tickets are sold by phone, online and ticket outlets).

Visit the Tribeca Film Festival site for details on movies and schedules.

Enjoy!

Jen

Teen fashion in the Netherlands

Having left Zim for the Netherlands, I have definitely had "fashion shock" drained out of me each year to the next. All you heard about the CLOGS is not true- In my opinion teenagers in the Netherlands understand the concept of "fashion personality"- perhaps a domino effect from the designers and the "open-minded" market.

Leggings like Zimbabwe are definitely a fave here-

"What's an outfit without leggings?" Saskia K. (15yrs)

However perhaps they are more favoured in the winter. The winters here also leave you with no other choice but to Flaunt the Fur -(FTF) like J-Lo : something you definitely can not do in Zimbabwe. But then again- there's the added stress of:

"How to look good in gazillion layers of warm clothing" - Fionna G. (16yrs)

Whats in for Netherlands Teens:
1.Leggings/Tights
2.Shortest skirt you can find!
3.Fur - is always in during winter
4.Ski jacket (with a belt please) - so as to not appear as a big round blob
5.Black boots ( low or high cut)
6.Trendy Sneakers
7.Tank tops
8.Striped jumpers and monoprint scarfs aswell as fingerless gloves
9.Zip-up hoodie

The only limit offcourse is the "moody" weather nevertheless they all dress to kill: where "kill" has two meanings:
1) It's soooooo different you really feel like gagging (Never be caught dead in it)
2) It's soooooo WOW you can't stop staring ( Dying to be caught dead in it)


Yolanda-Lin M

Setting goals to achieve goals.

 Setting goals can be easy.  Whether they are short or long term, you need to think about what you are doing to achieve those goals. First thing first, analyze your goal and be realistic.  Why is this goal important, when do you want to reach this goal, how does this goal affect others, how are you going to put your goal in motion, what materials do you need, these are all questions you need to ask yourself.  All the negative energy around you, get rid of it! You are on a mission and negativity will not be accepted, you have too many things to accomplish to let other’s negative thoughts and actions influence you in any way.  

       

• Prep yourself

Make sure you have all the necessary tools and material needed to execute your goal.  This will help you in the long run. You will be prepared, and this will eliminate all the problems to come.  If you need training, education or just want to gain experience this would be a great time to start.

• Give yourself a timeline

Give yourself a realistic timeline.  You want to be a dancer?  Training can and will take time, years, be prepared for that kind of commitment with dedication and determination.  If you want to put on a play, give your self a few weeks to a couple of months to get a script, cast members, performance space and costumes.  Whatever your goal may be, just be realistic with it, you don’t want to give yourself too little time, to the point where you are rushed and stressed out, but you also don’t want to give too much time, that you slack off and don’t push yourself.

•  Evaluate your progress

Periodically, you want to see how much time has passed and see how much progress you have made. How much have you achieved in your goal? Have you stumbled across an obstacle, how did you overcome it?  Are you that much closer to achieving your goal? Was there an error anywhere, if so that’s okay, that’s why you are evaluating yourself.  You want to evaluate your progress, not only to keep you on track, but to keep you moving forward.

• Be consistent

Work towards your goal daily. This will also help to motivate you. The more consistent you are, the quicker you will meet your goal. And if you have a short term goal, this will allow you to start on your long term goal.

• Support, Feedback and Support!!

Do you have a support team? Any one you can lean on to lend a helping hand? They can be a parent, a close friend, a teacher or another family member, just someone who can and will support you, encourage you and give you constructive criticism when needed.  Always keep positive motivating influences in your life. You will need advice, so these are the influences you turn to. The encouragement you will receive will be uplifting!

•  Achieve

With all that hard work and dedication, your goal is now in action. Even if it takes longer than you thought, that’s alright, as long as you are pushing yourself and striving for something, you’re going in the right direction.  Goals are all about pushing yourself.  If you’re pushing yourself, remember, you’re almost there! Keep up the good work and keep moving forward.

Now, remember: Motivation, Dedication, and Determination. :)

Lavonnah

Step Up Your Game with a Mentor!

The Gye Nyame Empowerment Project, a non-profit organization that creates programs for teens, is providing with dynamic mentoring opportunity. The organization is selecting female, high school sophomores and working with them over a two-year period to reach their goals. This is great chance to be paired with women, who are executives and entrepreneurs and learning how they achieved career or business success. It will also give teen girls an open forum to discuss challenges and talking to someone, so they can work through those moments and move forward with confidence.

If you're interested, send in the application below:

For questions about this program, email the GNEP team:s2sstories@gmail.com